Shell makes way for the ladies

JR EWING would be eating his 10 gallon hat. Oil giant Shell has broken with the industry's macho image in a bid to promote more female executives.

It aims to fill 20% of senior executive jobs with women by 2008 as part of a new 'diversity and inclusiveness standard'. Shell has already been stormed by a formidable group of mainly 40-something female bosses.

Their achievements are particularly impressive in a business where women are stereotyped as trophy wives with big hair and bigger shoulder pads.

The oil baronesses at Shell are led by finance director Judy Boynton, 46. Others include Linda Cook, chief executive of the key gas and power division, and Dutch-born Karen de Segundo, chief executive of the renewable energy business group. Both are married with three children.

Roxanne Decyx heads group planning. Women directors of its five main divisions include Lynn Elsenhans, Veronica Carter, Fran Keeth and Carol Dubnicki. Dr Eileen Buttle and Nina Henderson are non-executive directors of UK arm Shell Transport & Trading. Shell said: 'These are not token women, but have been promoted on merit.'

Despite the success of its female high-fliers, Shell is still some way off its target. Women still account for only 8% to 9% of its senior managers, and 17% of middle-ranking positions. Critics say it will be hard to promote more in some developing countries where male chauvinism still reigns.

The Equal Opportunities Commission said: 'We welcome the fact that Shell has recognised it is not making the most of its female workforce. More employers should follow suit.'

Shell has been trying to promote more women and ethnic minorities for several years. Under its new equal opportunities policy, its companies around the world will have to report on their progress each year.